Jorge told me I would be his last ride for the night but wanted to ensure I got to my cama (bed) safely and offered to pick me up in three days' time for my return to the airport at a discounted price.

By the time I arrived at Africa's home in a gated community, it was well after midnight but she greeted me with open arms.

Having missed dinner in all the confusion of the evening, she offered me the most delicious sweet bread and a glass of apple juice. The perfect host.

She also helped me sift through the ferry schedules online to ensure I made it to the island in time for my reservation a mere five hours later.

Dragging myself out of bed after just a few hours in the airconditioning, my sleepy eyes were tempered with growing excitement.

Known as the devil manta, it too had an oval shaped mouth and its wings swept through the ocean like curtains rippling in a Sunday afternoon breeze.

I have been lucky enough to swim with many kinds of sharks and rays in Australia, and nearby Bahamas, Belize and Panama, but whale sharks are next level.

With only two humans allowed in the water at one time, we rotated through three turns each.

I could have stayed there all day.

But, alas, we left these beauties and "parked" our craft in the waters of Playa Norte - an Isla Mujeres beach with picture-perfect Caribbean water.

VIDEO: Fish make a home among the people:
The Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) off the coast of Isla Mujeres is full of interesting statues, made all the more interesting with the fish making the art their home.

As we slipped from the boat again into the turquoise bathwater, our Searious Diving hosts passed out cervezas and plates of ceviche while we floated in paradise until it was time to leave.

Next on my to-do list the following day was diving MUSA - an underwater museum of art.

The statues, arranged about 9m below the surface, ranged from groups of people to a car, house and other random objects, all the more fascinating because coral and fish have made themselves home among these manmade reefs.

Diving the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) and other reefs off Isla Mujeres in Mexico.Rae Wilson

Unfortunately visibility was a mere 1m or so the day I went so we could only see the art once upon it.

Diving the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) and other reefs off Isla Mujeres in Mexico.Rae Wilson

Conditions were similar with a second dive to nearby natural reefs, though the fish were stunning on each outcrop we discovered.

Diving reefs off Isla Mujeres in Mexico.Rae Wilson

While I did a certified dive, because the museum is only 9-10m depth, they allow introductory dives too. Don't bother with a snorkelling tour if visibility is bad.

There were plenty of other marine activities available, including swimming with dolphins and visiting a turtle farm, but Isla Mujeres is postcard material in itself.

Commonplace on many Caribbean islands and a stellar way to get around - golf carts.

Taking in the salty sea air while breathing in the incredible vistas along the coastline leaves any troubles far behind.

It's really living the life to drop in at the beaches for a dip and a cocktail or gander at the sculptures surrounding the lighthouse.

Photos

But after all the adventures, there's little more satisfying than soaking up the cruisy island lifestyle on a deck chair on the island's northern beaches.

I was so chilled out between taking dips in the idyllic water and having tacos and cocktails delivered to my throne that my FitBit thought I had taken a long snooze.

How to fill your belly

If you spot it on the menu, you can't go past the cochinita pibil (baby pig) dish revered in the region. Delivered in a juicy salsa, you devour it with accompanying tortillas like you would a taco. Don't be afraid to ask for more if you run out.

Rooster, a breakfast joint in the main drag Miguel Hidalgo, is lauded for its eggs benedict options. When they ask for your order - you will need to give your preference like you would steak - liquido, medio or bien cocida (runny, medium or well done).

A pricey but delicious dinner option is Lola Valentino - scrumptious entrees, a surf and turf dish that will fill you to the brim and quirky, but delicious, cocktails.

Surf and turf dish at Lola Valentino Isla Mujeres, Mexico.Rae Wilson

For a refreshing drink in the glorious heat, try either an horchata made from rice milk and cinnamon, or an agua de jamaica made from hibiscus flowers.

Ice cream, known as helado en espanol, is sold all over the island. Keep an eye out for guanabana or mamey. They are delicious fruits on their own but even more delectable when made into ice cream.

Of course, don't leave the island without trying the mango margarita. But if you want to be a bit more daring, try a tamarindo with a hint of chilli.

Isla Mujeres travel tips

Isla Mujeres is primarily a cash destination so make sure you have enough to get through your holiday. Only one ATM worked during my visit.

Air conditioning is a lifesaver at night when the beach is not at your beck and call so check your accommodation is equipped.

The first ferry to Isla Mujeres leaves about 6.15am (depending on the terminal) and the last ferry usually leaves about 11.30pm so make sure you book accommodation in Cancun if you have a late flight. There are three ferry terminals but they all run frequently so take your pick.

Golf carts should cost about $1000 for the day or $600 for three hours. Shop around if you are pitched a much dearer price.

TIMELAPSE: Take a golf cart ride around Isla Mujeres:
Isla Mujeres is a small island off the western coast of Mexico, a short ferry ride from Cancun.

Whale shark tours are snorkelling only, not diving, and you are not allowed to touch the animals. If you see a tour that advertises otherwise, you could be fined if marine police catch you.

Tour operators advise against wearing sunscreen to help the environment so take a long-sleeved rashie and long lyrca pants (I went with running pants) if you can.

There were so many deals that come with securing a deck chair and umbrella by the shore that it's worth checking a few. Some offer $300-400 pesos for the chair that can be claimed back as food and drinks. Another offered $450 pesos for a buffet and open bar. Ignore the people trying to charge $US25 just for the privilege of sitting in a chair.